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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

In limbo

Things are whirling in my brain, which is why I'm sleeping like crap.

I'm in that limbo of feeling ready to take on a marathon Right This Minute, to Wait A Minute, Am I Really Ready?

Pez was still a bit sore on Monday, so to be on the safe side, I bagged my recovery run, and rode my bike instead. I went into PT, and Michelle asked me where I ran for my 18 miler. After I told her I did the whole thing on the treadmill without stopping, she looked at me, and said if I could do that right now, I'm ready for the full 26.2. I kind of agree with her. I was ready to be finished at 18, my feet hurt, but I could have done 8 more, I just wouldn't have been very happy about it.

But then she suggested that I forget about doing any more really long runs, to focus on cross training as much as possible, and do shorter runs. Her concern is that, now that Pez is healing, I don't want to aggravate it any further, and possibly bruise it.

It makes sense to me, but it scares me. I don't belong to a gym, and the pool is closed for winter. I was planning on running 20 miles this weekend, then start to taper off. But now I might stick to maybe 13, then taper the long runs.

And here's why:

Last September I ran a marathon, then stayed active through the winter with exercise DVD's, and the treadmill.

I ran outside starting in February, on very hilly roads, which ended in May, with a 10 mile race, where I PR'd by 8 minutes.

Then I sprained my foot while walking Frank, and took a few weeks off while I healed, then eased into my new custom orthotics.

Then I started biking, swimming, and running, training for my first sprint triathlon, in August.

I took a week off, then started an 18 week marathon training plan.

I hit all my runs, cross trained, but about a month ago, Pez started acting up, and I missed a 16 miler, and a 17 miler, while I rested for a week.

I've been modifying my training plan, had some great runs, and a confidence boosting 18 mile run.

I know there are training plans out there that max out at 18, although the longest run on mine is 21 miles.

That said, I realize I have a solid base.

At this particular moment, Pez feels fine.

So I think I'm going to take each day as it comes, although this is the first time I'm not following my training plan to a T, especially at this point in the game.

23 comments:

I'm definitely NO expert, but I definitely surround myself with running experts! My running mentor (who has never led me astray - and honestly, I'm a tremendously injury prone runner) has personal experience and tons of data showing that just doing short speed work runs once a week or so can significantly cut your marathon finishing time. He tells about the time he was training for a full, but got hurt, and only stuck with 3-10 mile runs, but did bursts of speed within the run at a sub 5K PR pace and he ended up getting his full mary PR of 2:38. I think you and your PT are right on. You'll be amazing - one foot in front of the other and just be safe - don't do anything crazy to further hurt things!

This whole marathon thing can drink you manic!! I'm shocked I'm not in a mental institution!

Play it day by day, you don't have to make any drastic decisions right now, just see how you feel over the weekend. I agree, if you can do 18 miles on a treadmill you can do 26.2 on the road....but understandable you want to get in another longer run, for confidence and endurance. It's all going to be good....stay positive and hey, if you're up at 2am, like me, we can get on AIM and chat! :) That will help you fall asleep fast!

I think you will be fine as wine! But I so feel you. I have a bum knee and strained hammy and my first marathon in 12 days. My brain is working overtime. Can I even do it? But the thing is marathon day is the big show, the big end of the road. So treat it like your missing 21 mile long run-- and then add on a few miles for good measure (<; Boom, marathon completed! Good luck and keep updating!

I've never done a marathon that hasn't injured me. With that said, you should go with your gut and focus on the cross training. Your fitness is there. Your foundation will get you through the last few miles!

You can do this! Sounds like you have your body ready and Pez is starting to cooperate. Now you just have to get your mind (fully) on board. You've done your training, and you have a plan. Even if it's not the plan you started out with, it will get you to the finish line!

Sounds like you have a great (modified) plan and you'll be ready on race day! You have a great base, plus, like your PT said, you definitely don't want to injure yourself by pushing too hard in the last few weeks. Can't wait to cheer you on to the finish!